The goal of any well-established workplace security program should be to instruct workers in common sense techniques in both violence prevention and practical self-defense. Our staff presents techniques and strategies that are applicable to most situations, are easily learned and do not require an extensive background in abnormal psychology or martial arts. Our programs not only improve employees' ability to handle difficult clients but improve confidence and morale. In an atmosphere of ever-increasing potential for litigation, our programs fill a need for education and training to reduce the risk of future liability. We offer consulting, seminars and physical training as follows: 

CONSULTING

Site-specific personal security evaluation: A consultant will evaluate your workplace for physical security and/or staff training needs and address any concerns that may arise.

This course includes current JCAHO and CMS (formerly HCFA) standards concerning the use of physical restraint and seclusion, the philosophy behind the use of restraint and seclusion, recognizing and avoiding violent situations, de-escalation techniques, basic principles of nonviolent physical management, tactics and techniques of controlling assaultive behavior on inpatient behavioral health units. Class size 10 to 40 participants.

The Medical and Behavioral Use of Restraint (4 hours)

This course includes current JCAHO and CMS standards, hospital philosophy, policies and procedures concerning restraint and seclusion, using restraints and developing a humane, team-centered approach to this process. Class size 10 to 40 participants.

Alternatives to Restraint and Seclusion (2 hours)

This session includes current JCAHO and CMS standards, philosophy and reporting requirements concerning the use of restraint and seclusion, alternative methods for dealing with agitated behavioral health patients, and de-escalation principles and practice. Class size 15 to 100 participants.

Training includes the current JCAHO and CMS standards on restraint and seclusion, leadership, de-escalation techniques, teamwork principles, and techniques of physical intervention, seclusion and restraint. The philosophy of seclusion and restraint will also be discussed. Class size 10 to 40 participants.

Violence Prevention in the Workplace (4 hours)

Training includes workplace security and common sense practices for avoiding violence, characteristics of potentially violent persons, warning signs of impending violence, domestic violence in the workplace, and stalking. Class size 10 to 40 participants. 

Physical Training and Self-defense (8 hours) 

Includes awareness, avoidance, de-escalation, mitigation, surviving life-threatening situations and legal aspects of self-defense. Class size 10 to 40 participants.

Developing a Crisis Response Team
for General Work Environments (8 hours) 

Workshop includes: who makes up the team, developing an action plan, practicing responses to specific situations, determining when the team will be utilized, evaluating the work environment and team performance. Class size 10 to 40 participants.

Violence Prevention in the Schools (4 hours)

This seminar includes characteristics of potentially violent persons/students; early warning signs, signs of imminent danger and appropriate response; how to handle violent situations; de-escalation techniques; programs that work; and a problem solving period. Class size 10 to 40 participants.

We also offer 7-week Women's Self-defense classes yearly in affiliation with the
Northern Lights Martial Arts Center.

We at Professional Defense Consultants are prepared to assist an employer in developing a carefully prepared response plan, tailor-made to their unique needs. We would welcome an opportunity to discuss our programs with your business or agency. We are also prepared to assist you in the development of a Zero Tolerance policy toward violent behavior and policies regarding the use of physical intervention. These policies will be consistent with such accrediting organizations as the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the Committee for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), current recommendations and requirements from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the recent requirements set forth by some liability carriers.

"After the in-services provided by Great Northern Security Consultants [PDC], staff use of restraint and seclusion has been significantly reduced."
	Mary Martin, Ph.D., RN, Program Director (Ret.) Behavioral Health Services Marquette General Hospital